Law XI - Offside Position

It is not an offence in itself to be in an offside position.

A player is in an offside position if:
1. he is nearer to his opponents' goal line than both the ball and the second last opponent
A player is not in an offside position if:
2. he is in his own half of the field of play or
3. he is level with the second last opponent or
4. he is level with the last two opponents
Offence
A player in an offside position is only penalised if, at the moment the ball touches or is played by one of his team, he is, in
the opinion of the referee, involved in active play by:
1. interfering with play or
2. interfering with an opponent or
3. gaining an advantage by being in that position
No Offence
There is no offside offence if a player receives the ball directly from:
1. a goal kick or
2. a throw-in or
3. a corner kick

Infringements/Sanctions

For any offside offence, the referee awards an indirect free kick to the opposing team to be taken from the place where
the infringement occurred.
Law-XII Fouls and Misconduct
Fouls and misconduct are penalised as follows:
Direct Free Kick
A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits any of the following ten offences in a manner
considered by the referee to be careless, reckless or using excessive force:
1. kicks or attempts to kick an opponent
2. trips or attempts to trip an opponent
3. jumps at an opponent
4. charges an opponent
5. strikes or attempts to strike an opponent
6. pushes an opponent
7. tackles an opponent to gain possession of the ball, making contact with the opponent before touching the ball
8. holds an opponent
9. spits at an opponent
10. handles the ball deliberately (except for the goalkeeper within his own penalty area)
A direct free kick is taken from where the offence occurred
Penalty Kick
A penalty kick is awarded if any of the above ten offences is committed by a player inside his own penalty area,
irrespective of the position of the ball, provided it is in play.
Indirect Free Kick
An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a goalkeeper, inside his own penalty area, commits any of the
following offences:
1. takes more than six seconds while controlling the ball with his hands, before releasing it from his possession
2. touches the ball again with his hands after it has been released from his possession and has not touched any other
player
3. touches the ball with his hands after it has been deliberately kicked to him by a team-mate
4. touches the ball with his hands after he has received it directly from a throw-in taken by a team-mate
An indirect free kick is also awarded to the opposing team if a player, in the opinion of the referee, commits any of the
following three offences:
1. plays in a dangerous manner
2. impedes the progress of an opponent
3. prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from his hands
4. commits any other offence, not previously mentioned in Law 12, for which play is stopped to caution or dismiss a
player
The indirect free kick is taken from where the offence occurred.
Cautionable Offences (Yellow Card Offence)
A player is cautioned and shown the yellow card if he commits any of the following seven offences:
1. is guilty of unsporting behavior
2. shows dissent by word or action
3. persistently infringes the Laws of the Game
4. delays the restart of play
5. fails to respect the required distance when play is restarted with a corner kick or free kick
6. enters or re-enters the field of play without the referee's permission
7. deliberately leaves the field of play without the referee's permission
Sending-Off Offences (Red Card Offence)
A player is sent off and shown the red card if he commits any of the following seven offences:
1. is guilty of serious foul play
2. is guilty of violent conduct
3. is guilty of violent conduct
4. denies an opponent a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity by deliberately handling the ball (this does not
apply to a goalkeeper within his own penalty area)
5. denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity to an opponent moving towards the player's goal by an offence
punishable by a free kick or a penalty kick
6. uses offensive, insulting or abusive language
7. receives a second caution in the same match
A player who has been sent off must leave the vicinity of the field of play and the technical area.
Law 13 XIII - Free Kicks
Types of Free Kicks
The Direct Free Kick
1. If a direct free kick is kicked directly into the opponents' goal, a goal is awarded I
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2. If a direct free kick is kicked directly into the team's own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team
The Indirect Free Kick
1. A goal can be scored only if the ball subsequently touches another player before it enters the goal.
Signal
The referee indicates an indirect free kick by raising his arm above his head. He maintains his arm in that position until
the kick has been taken and the ball has touched another player or goes out of play.

If an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the opponents' goal, a goal kick is awarded
If an indirect free kick is kicked directly into the team's own goal, a corner kick is awarded to the opposing team
Position of Free Kick
1. All opponents are at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball
2. All opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play
3. The ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area
4. A free kick awarded in the goal area is taken from any point inside that area

Law -XIV - The Penalty Kick

A penalty kick is awarded against a team which commits one of the ten offences for which a direct free kick is awarded,
inside its own penalty area and while the ball is in play.

A goal may be scored directly from a penalty kick.

Additional time is allowed for a penalty kick to be taken at the end of each half or at the end of periods.
Position of the Ball and the Players
The ball: is placed on the penalty mark
The player taking the penalty kick: is properly identified
The defending goalkeeper: remains on his goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts until the ball has been
kicked

The players other than the kicker are located:

1. inside the field of play
2. outside the penalty area
3. behind the penalty mark
4. at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the penalty mark
The Referee
1. does not signal for a penalty kick to be taken until the players have taken up position in accordance with the Law
2. decides when a penalty kick has been completed
Procedure
1. the player taking the penalty kicks the ball forward
2. he does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player
3. the ball is in play when it is kicked and moves forward
Infringements/Sanctions
If the referee gives the signal for a penalty kick to be taken and, before the ball is in play, one of the following situations
occurs:
The player taking the penalty kick infringes the Laws of the Game:
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1. the referee allows the kick to proceed
2. if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken
3. if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is not retaken
The goalkeeper infringes the Laws of the Game:
1. the referee allows the kick to proceed
2. if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded
3. if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken
A team-mate of the player taking the kick enters the penalty area or moves in front of or within 9.5 m (10 yds) of the
penalty mark:
1. the referee allows the kick to proceed
2. if the ball enters the goal, the kick is retaken
3. if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is not retaken
A team-mate of the goalkeeper enters the penalty area or moves in front of or within 9.15 m (10 yds) of the penalty mark:
1. the referee allows the kick to proceed
2. if the ball enters the goal, a goal is awarded
3. if the ball does not enter the goal, the kick is retaken
A player of both the defending team and the attacking team infringe the Laws of the Game:
• The kick is retaken
If after the penalty kick has been taken: The kicker touches the ball a second time (except with his hands) before it has
touched another player:
• An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement
occurred
The kicker deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:
•A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred

The ball is touched by an outside agent as it moves forward:

• The kick is retaken
The ball rebounds into the field of play from the goalkeeper, the crossbar or the goalposts, and is then touched by an
outside agent:
1. The referee stops play
2. Play is restarted with a dropped ball at the place where it touched the outside agent
Law-XV - The Throw-In
A throw-in is a method of restarting play. (A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in.)
A throw-in is awarded:
1. when the whole of the ball passes over the touch line, either on the ground or in the air
2. from the point where it crossed the touch line
3. to the opponents of the player who last touched the ball
Procedure
At the moment of delivering the ball, the thrower:
1. faces the field of play
2. has part of each foot either on the touch line or on the ground outside the touch line
3. uses both hands
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4. delivers the ball from behind and over his head
The thrower may not touch the ball again until it has touched another player.
The ball is in play immediately it enters the field of play.
Infringements/Sanctions
Throw-in taken by a player other than the goalkeeper If, after the ball is in play, the thrower touches the ball a second
time (except with his hands) before it has touched another player:
• An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement
occurred
If, after the ball is in play, the thrower deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:
•A direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred
•A penalty kick is awarded if the infringement occurred inside the thrower's penalty area

Throw-in taken by the goalkeeper If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper touches the ball a second time (except with
his hands), before it has touched another player:
• An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team, the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement
occurred.

If, after the ball is in play, the goalkeeper deliberately handles the ball before it has touched another player:
•a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred outside the goalkeeper's penalty area, the
kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred * (see preface) an indirect free kick is awarded to the
opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper's penalty area, the kick to be taken from the place
where the infringement occurred * (see preface)

If an opponent unfairly distracts or impedes the thrower:

• He is cautioned for unsporting behavior and shown the yellow card
For any other infringement of this Law:
• The throw-in is taken by a player of the opposing team
Law-XVI - The Goal Kick
A goal kick is a method of restarting play.
A goal may be scored directly from a goal kick, but only against the opposing team.
A goal kick is awarded when: The whole of the ball, having last touched a player of the attacking team, passes over the
goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10

Procedure
1. The ball is kicked from any point within the goal area by a player of the defending team
2. Opponents remain outside the penalty area until the ball is in play
3. The kicker does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player
4. The ball is in play when it is kicked directly beyond the penalty area
Infringements/Sanctions: if the ball is not kicked directly into play beyond the penalty area: the kick is retaken

XVII - The Corner Kick

A corner kick is a method of restarting play.
A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick, but only against the opposing team.
A corner kick is awarded when: The whole of the ball, having last touched a player of the defending team, passes over
the goal line, either on the ground or in the air, and a goal is not scored in accordance with Law 10
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Procedure
1. The ball is placed inside the corner arc at the nearest corner flag post
2. The corner flag post is not moved
3. Opponents remain at least 9.15 m (10 yds) from the ball until it is in play
4. The ball is kicked by a player of the attacking team
5. The ball is in play when it is kicked and moves
6. The kicker does not play the ball a second time until it has touched another player

An indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team if the infringement occurred inside the goalkeeper's penalty area,
the kick to be taken from the place where the infringement occurred

For any other infringement: the kick is retaken

Procedures to Determine the Winner of a Match

Extra Time
Competition rules may provide for two further equal periods, not exceeding 15 minutes each, to be played. The
conditions of Law 8 will apply.
Kicks from the Penalty Mark
Procedure
 The referee chooses the goal at which the kicks will be taken
 The referee tosses a coin and the team whose captain wins the toss decides whether to take the first or the
second kick
 The referee keeps a record of the kicks being taken
 Subject to the conditions explained below, both teams take five kicks
 The kicks are taken alternately by the teams
 If, before both teams have taken five kicks, one has scored more goals than the other could score, even if it were
to complete its five kicks, no more kicks are taken
 If, after both teams have taken five kicks, both have scored the same number of goals, or have not scored any
goals, kicks continue to be taken in the same order until one team has scored a goal more than the other from
the same number of kicks
 A goalkeeper who is injured while kicks are being taken from the penalty mark and is unable to continue as
goalkeeper may be replaced by a named substitute provided his team has not used the maximum number of
substitutes permitted under the competition
 With the exception of the foregoing case, only players who are on the field of play at the end of the match, which
includes extra time where appropriate, are allowed to take kicks from the penalty mark
 Each kick is taken by a different player and all eligible players must take a kick before any player can take a
second kick
 An eligible player may change places with the goalkeeper at any time when kicks from the penalty mark are
being taken
 Only the eligible players and match officials are permitted to remain on the field of play when kicks from the
penalty mark are being taken
 All players, except the player taking the kick and the two goalkeepers, must remain within the centre circle
 The goalkeeper who is the team mate of the kicker must remain on the field of play, outside the penalty area in
which the kicks are being taken, on the goal line where it meets the penalty area boundary line

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  Unless otherwise stated, the relevant Laws of the Game and Inter- national F.A. Board Decisions apply when
kicks from the penalty mark are being taken

 When a team finishes the match with a greater number of players than their opponents, they shall reduce their
numbers to equate with that of their opponents and inform the referee of the name and number of each player
excluded. The team captain has this responsibility.

Before the start of kicks from the penalty mark the referee shall ensure that only an equal number of players
from each team remain within the centre circle and they shall take the kicks.

The fourth official

 The fourth official may be appointed under the competition rules and officiates if any of the three match officials is
unable to continue. He assists the referee at all times
 Prior to the start of the competition, the organiser states clearly whether, if the referee is unable to continue, the
fourth official takes over as the match referee or whether the senior assistant referee takes over as referee with
the fourth official becoming an assistant referee
 The fourth official assists with any administrative duties before, during and after the match, as required by the
referee
 He is responsible for assisting with substitution procedures during the match
 He supervises the replacement footballs, where required. If the match ball has to be replaced during a match, he
provides another ball, on the instruction of the referee, thus keeping the delay to a minimum
 He has the authority to check the equipment of substitutes before they enter the field of play. If their equipment
does not comply with the Laws of the Game, he informs the referee
 He must indicate to the referee when the wrong player is cautioned because of mistaken identity or when a
player is not sent off having been seen to be given a second caution or when violent conduct occurs out of the
view of the referee and assistant referees. The referee, however, retains the authority to decide on all points
connected with play
 After the match, the fourth official must submit a report to the appropriate authorities on any misconduct or other
incident that has occurred out of the view of the referee and the assistant referees. The fourth official must advise
the referee and his assistants of any report being made
 He has the authority to inform the referee of irresponsible behavior by any occupant of the technical area

REFEREE SIGNALS

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ASSISTANT REFEREE SIGNALS

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Football Formations
As managers are unable to get on the field themselves, the formation is a vital way for them to enforce their vision on the
players. The type of formation selected by the manager reflects the sort of football you can expect them to play, so
understanding what the most commonly used formations signify is key to understanding football.

4-4-2 (Four Four Two) Formation

The most common and adaptable formation in modern football, the weakness of 4-4-2 is the gaps between the central
defenders, midfielders and the strikers. As such, a huge burden is placed on the central midfield to augment defense and
attack.

4-4-2 Formation

4-5-1 (Four Five One) Formation

A formation which has grown in popularity in recent times, the 4-5-1 is fundamentally defensive, but can be tweaked to
provide more of an offensive threat. The essential qualities of the 4-5-1 are a three-man central midfield and a lone
striker, typically a target man. By packing the midfield, a technically strong passing side will come unstuck and provide
opportunities for counter-attacking football. When on the attack, the 4-5-1 is heavily dependent on the wingers supporting
the lone striker.

4-5-1 Formation
4-3-3 (Four Three Three) Formation
In some ways, the 4-3-3 is covered in the description of the 4-5-1. However, whereas the 4-5-1 starts with the wingers
supporting the central midfielders, the 4-3-3 encourages the wingers to act as true forwards and the formation generally
emphasises attack more than defense.

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4-3-3 Formation

The ‘Diamond Formation’ (4-3-1-2 - Four Three One Two)

The diamond in the formation refers to the midfield, with an attacking midfielder and a holding midfielder employed and
flanked by two wingers, who move in-field slightly to shore up the gaps in the centre. To cover for the lack of width in the
side, the full-backs become wingbacks and start slightly higher up the pitch.

4-3-1-2 Formation

The diamond formation is typically associated with the World Cup-winning English national team in 1966, christened the
‘wingless wonders’. In recent times though, the employment of the diamond usually revolves around a single player.

5-3-2 (Five Three Two) Formation

In theory, the 5-3-2 is a purely defensive-minded line-up. The three central defenders provide extra resoluteness, while
the three in midfield are all located around the centre circle. There is also a notable gap between midfield and attack, and
the wing-play is the sole responsibility of the fullbacks.

5-3-2 Formation

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